The 435nm project has conducted public tests of the photobioreactor

On July 2, the project to create a highly efficient automated photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation 435nm conducted public tests of a prototype installation in which algae absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. Project manager Alexander Shayenko told Izvestia about the photobioreactors being developed, and also tested the installation on himself, breathing through the system for about 25 minutes.

"We would like the installation to have a future in the field of astronautics first of all. We started studying because it is necessary to create a closed biosphere for deep space flights," said Shayenko.

Microalgae are single—celled photosynthetic organisms. Due to their high growth rate, unique biochemical composition, and ability to convert sunlight into valuable substances, they are used in various industries, including space.

The 435nm photobioreactor under development is capable of cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms. The installation itself maintains optimal light, temperature, and carbon dioxide supply so that microorganisms can multiply rapidly and photosynthesize.

In space, photobioreactors perform the tasks of absorbing carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, as well as releasing fresh oxygen. Due to their capabilities, these installations may be required for interplanetary ships and orbital stations.

"Work on the creation of biological life support systems has been carried out in our country since the 1960s at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Biophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Experiments involving humans were conducted at these institutes. Our team studied the results of these studies and reinterpreted them using modern technologies. Now we are going to conduct a public experiment with a human being. Further plans include the creation of links with fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as the introduction of technology into land—based production processes," said Shayenko.

Dmitry Bakanov, head of the Roscosmos state Corporation, said on June 10 that the company was seeking to involve private companies willing to invest in the space industry. According to him, the space operator is now acting as a regulator in the industry. In this area, as Bakanov noted, there are both companies that are part of the contour of the state corporation and operating outside it.

Prior to that, on June 4, Bakanov called the activities of private companies a help for Roscosmos. According to him, private business has already accumulated unique competencies and is ahead of state-owned enterprises in a number of areas.